documentation

USAGE SUMMARY

'documentation' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to any material that provides information about something, such as a guidebook, an instruction manual, or a set of records. For example, "For employees new to our company, we provide detailed documentation about our policies and procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They don't want to be firebrands; their music is what Holman calls "social documentation" in the lineage of the Streets, rather than Rage Against The Machine.

The Guardian - Music

We are nearing a conclusion of our scoping work, but we want to ensure we have had the opportunity to analyse as much of the relevant documentation as possible before we make a decision.

The Guardian

When you examine their internal documentation, marketing materials and extant interventions, it becomes evident there is a pronounced way of thinking about the civic that is bound up in all of them, with rather grim implications for the politics of participation.

The Guardian

Special arrangements were put in place for Nadir's arrival at Luton: as well as having his documentation checked on the plane, he was allowed to leave for central London via a gate normally reserved for the transfer of cargo to and from planes.

The Guardian - Business

Over 25 weeks, you'll develop an original TV show from first idea to the second draft of a script, and produce all your professional documentation along the way.

The Guardian

Mike German, a former FBI agent, who assisted the Guardian in deciphering the bureau's documentation, said they indicated the agency had opened a category of investigation that is known in agency parlance as an "assessment".

The Guardian

Full information on all DFID international development projects over £500 to be published online from January 2011, including financial information and project documentation.

The Guardian

The report also noted CBP's ability to recreate a full timeline of events was "constrained" by not having access to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's documentation, because Amsa "did not support the creation of new documentation which touched on AMSA's statutory duties".

The Guardian

"The documentation is so vast now that the ISC may need more than investigator.

The Guardian

"We have been assessing documentation from a range of different sources, including South Yorkshire police and the national archive, and continue to liaise with the National Union of Mineworkers and the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign to gain access to any documentation they may have.

The Guardian

Technology offers a potential solution, too, with the possibility of data being culled directly from raw camera footage or other on-the-spot documentation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that all "documentation" is accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible for relevant parties.

Common error

Don't assume that extensive "documentation" automatically equates to proper implementation; always verify that the documented processes are followed correctly.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "documentation" is as a noun. It refers to the materials that provide official or authoritative information or evidence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a word that is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "documentation" functions as a noun referring to organized collections of documents or information, frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, business, and science. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Its communicative purpose is primarily to inform, instruct, or record information. Common contexts include News & Media, Formal & Business and Science. When writing, ensure specificity when requesting "documentation" and maintain accuracy. Alternatives like "supporting documents", "official papers", and "detailed report" may be more appropriate based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Supporting documents

Refers specifically to documents that provide evidence or validation.

Written record

Focuses on the act of recording information in written form.

Official papers

Implies formality and authorization in the documented information.

Detailed report

Emphasizes the thoroughness and comprehensive nature of the documented information.

Case file

Suggests a collection of documents related to a specific case or matter.

Project specification

Relates to documentations that comprehensively specify the needs of a project.

User manual

Specifically refers to documents explaining how to use a product or system.

Technical specs

Focuses on the technical details documented for a product or system.

Filed paperwork

Indicates paperwork is properly filed and available for use.

Paper trail

Highlights the existence of a series of documents providing evidence of events or actions.

FAQs

How is "documentation" typically used in a professional context?

In professional settings, "documentation" often refers to records, reports, and manuals used for training, compliance, and knowledge management. For example, in software development, detailed user manuals or "technical specs" are vital.

What are some alternatives to the word "documentation"?

Depending on the context, you could use "supporting documents", "official papers", "detailed report", or "case file".

Is "documentation" a formal or informal term?

"Documentation" is generally considered a formal term suitable for professional, academic, and technical contexts. It implies a certain level of thoroughness and official recording.

What is the difference between "documentation" and "paperwork"?

"Documentation" usually refers to a more structured and organized collection of documents designed for a specific purpose, like a guide or official record. "Filed paperwork", on the other hand, is a broader term that can refer to any collection of papers, often in an administrative context.